Elba Soccarras
Elba Leonor Diaz Soccarras is a Colombian-born American whose origins and identity were unknown to New Jersey authorities from 1994 to 2009.History
Soccarras was found in 1994 at the Woodbridge Center in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. She had no memory of her identity and had no identification. She spoke only Spanish. Known only as Elba, she was placed in Garrett Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Hunterdon County, New Jersey where she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
In 2008, New Jersey officials renewed a canvassing campaign across the state, as well as in Colombia and Venezuela.
In March 2009, through tips from the public and aid from the Colombian consulate, authorities were able to identify her as 74-year-old Elba Leonor Diaz Soccarras, who immigrated legally from Colombia to the United States in 1969. As a single mother, she worked for years in a factory. By establishing her citizenship, authorities were able to transfer her from Garrett Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital to a nursing home.
